Just Arrived

[reef75]

I just recieved a cleaner crew from Marine Gardens and I wanted to know a little more information on Sally lightfoot crabs. I recieved 3 medium size crabs and whated to know if they are agressive. Sally lightfoot looks mean and I just want to make sure that they will not harm my tank.

Thanks Reef75

[zhenya]

I just recieved a cleaner crew from Marine Gardens and I wanted to know a little more information on Sally lightfoot crabs. I recieved 3 medium size crabs and whated to know if they are agressive. Sally lightfoot looks mean and I just want to make sure that they will not harm my tank.

Thanks Reef75

Well, it's kind of too late now but yes, those crabs can harm your live stock as they mature,most grapsid crabs are very distructive. My best advice would be to do a bit more research before you do your next purchase. ;)

[Ninong]

Well, first of all, we have to figure out exactly what they sold you under the common name "Sally lightfoot crab." See my post here on this topic.

According to Dr. Rob Toonen, the true Sally lightfoot crab is Grapsus grapsus but quite often vendors sell Percnon gibbesi as the Sally lightfoot crab. In fact, I have noticed at least three or four different species being sold under this same common name.

I have no personal experience with any of the so-called Sally lightfoot crabs because I have read nothing but negative comments about them from other hobbyists. This thread is typical.

A few more threads: Here, here, here, and here. There are at least 2,000 more threads on Sally lightfoot crabs on that particular board but if you read the ones I have linked for you, I think you will have more than enough information to make a decision.

Remember this as a valuable lesson: NEVER ever follow the advice of a vendor unless you have personally verified it yourself and NEVER buy anything without doing your research in advance.

Good luck!



P.S. -- NEVER buy any so-called "cleaner crews" from any vendors. I have seen some of the most ridiculous combinations of totally inappropriate animals offered in these "crews." One vendor even includes several small captive-bred Strombus gigas as part of his so-called cleaner crews. That's the queen conch and it has an adult size of 8-12", making it completely inappropriate for a reef tank unless you have a 5,000-gal tank.

[reef75]

Thank You for all the good information on Sally lightfoot. How would I be able to get rid of them now that they are in the tank.

Reef75

[Ninong]

Thank You for all the good information on Sally lightfoot. How would I be able to get rid of them now that they are in the tank.

Reef75

I've never had that problem but I have read posts from people who reported using some sort of traps to catch them.

Good luck!